“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

What is sin? Much is written in Scripture regarding sin, its nature, and effects. This has led to a wealth of discussions on the subject, and many shades of definition based on the numerous Scriptural passages have been offered.

For example, in the Westminster Confession, sin is defined as “any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.”

There are certainly sins of commission. Our text identifies sin as the failure to meet God’s holy standard. Anything short of perfection falls into this category: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). “There is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Romans 3:12). Thankfully, Christ was the exception to this rule. “And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin” (I John 3:5).

There are also sins of omission. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Finally, there is a state of sin inherited through Adam due to his rebellion and the resultant curse. It is an inborn, inbred, indwelling propensity or tendency toward sin. Our very nature is one of sin. We are inherently sinners! “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me” (Romans 7:20,21).

Thankfully, in His grace, God has not left us in this awful state. He has done all that is necessary to restore our fellowship with the holy God. “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (II Corinthians 5:21). JDM